Category Archives: DOF

Snowball Preview x2

Posted by Mike on

Another image from my little excursion yesterday afternoon. I like the original (first image) because of the splash of color from the tree in the upper left corner which ties in to the slight yellow/brown center of the ‘snowballs’. The B & W conversion works for me because the fluffy snowball like main attractions seem to stand out better against the background.

The first image was processed using Lightroom with a few minor adjustments, i.e., some contrast, clarity and a little vibrance. The second image started from the first and converted to monochrome using Topaz Labs B&W Effects. I really like the Platinum Collection of presets for the overall tone they create.

Which do you prefer?

Snowball Preview
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/200s, 35mm, f/8, ISO 200


Snowball Preview – Monochrome
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/200s, 35mm, f/8, ISO 200

The Forgotten and Neglected

Posted by Mike on

What a week! I took the day off last Monday and spent most of it with my daughter who was home sick with a stomach flu. Worked the next day but caught the bug myself and spent Wednesday home from work. Spent the next two days getting caught up and then ended up working the weekend due to issues. None of that left much time for exploring with the camera.

I finally went for a walk after lunch today hoping to get some images before the “Storm of all storms – Sandy” rolls into the northeast. It was good just to get out and go for a walk but I did manage to come home with a few images. These two are from one of the apple trees in the field across the road from my house.

The Forgotten
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/160s, 70mm, f/5, ISO 200


The Neglected
Nikon D5100, Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4, 1/200s, 70mm, f/5, ISO 200

Grass Squared

Posted by Mike on

I received my new 35mm f/1.8 lens yesterday but was unable to get go out to play with it. I had a late day eye appointment and the pupil dilation didn’t return to normal until about 8pm. This year the sun actually hurt and I almost didn’t make it home. Luckily my son’s eyes recovered quicker than mine and he drove his old man home.

Today at work was very difficult knowing I had that lens in the bag just waiting for me. With rain in the forecast I decided to get the lawn mowed tonight before the week was lost to the rain. But, as soon as dinner was over I grabbed the camera and headed out. I found this at the park down by the canal…

Grass Squared
Nikon D5100, Nikon 35mm f/1.8G, 1/160s, 35mm, f/4, ISO 200

Nothing but Bokeh

Posted by Mike on

Nothing but Bokeh…
Nikon D5100, Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6, 1/200s, 200mm, f5.6, ISO 400

I got hooked on playing Grass Poker on Google+ quite a few months ago. Maybe it was because I had plenty around my house or maybe I liked finding interesting or unique images from such an ordinary subject.  Either way, I enjoy it and it allows me to practice and experiment.

Last night I went out with the telephoto lens to practice some more.  We haven’t received much rain lately which allows only certain types of grass to grow in my yard.  I liked this lone stalk with the little bug on it. He was quick though, no matter how I moved he moved to be on the opposite side from me.